TED | TED 2012: We’re in the midst of a dramatic reinvention of the ancient art of the spoken word. The surprising spread of talks online and the explosion of TEDx events around the globe are testament to that. At TED 2012 we plan to celebrate this phenomenon and nudge it a further step forward. Full Spectrum is a term we’ve adapted to mean the rich use of multiple technologies, formats and approaches for the most powerful possible impact on an audience.

Depending on the speaker and the topic, there could be: blizzards of images, new uses of music, extravagant use of under-used senses, intricate choreography between speaker and screen, new ways of involving the audience, breakthroughs in animation, and intense, campfire-style storytelling. There will be a good number of talks and presentations shorter than our 18-minute trademark standard, more chances for audience participation, and some spectacular surprises.

TED’s impact stems from a unique contract between speakers and audience — the latter granting focused attention to what’s happening on stage, and the speakers investing time, energy and passion to ensure that every moment of that attention is rewarded. It is this unique contract that allows us now to go Full Spectrum.

But the term covers more than just form and format. Content will span the full spectrum of knowledge TED stands for, from dazzling technology and leading-edge science to the richest veins of human creativity and interconnection.

Because amidst the quest to propel forward the art of live presentation, we won’t forget the most important things that bring us all back every year: Inspiration. Wonder. Authenticity. A hunger to learn.

TED 2012 will be a key next step in the evolution of TED. Come take it with us!